Photo: Supplied - Tracey Turner
A number of schools in Palmerston North, plus several early childhood centres, have decided to shut today over asbestos fears following a large fire.
The blaze in the closed down Fitz Bar on Ferguson Street on Thursday afternoon spread quickly, with plumes of black smoke billowing out across the city. A text alert was sent by emergency services warning people to stay indoors and keep windows closed, and to turn off air conditioning. Palmerston North Intermediate School is nearby and has made a precautionary decision to close.
Kathryn speaks to the local fire service's senior officer Hayden Robinson and the principal of Palmerston North Intermediate Hamish Ruawai, which has closed for the day
